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canary bird

/kəˈneəri bɜːrd/

翻译: 过时的俚语,指歌手,尤指女歌手,或指囚犯。该词源于金丝雀鲜黄色的羽毛,在犯罪俚语中与囚服或告密者相关。

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phrase

/kəˈneəri bɜːrd/slang已废弃
  • zh过时的俚语,指歌手,尤指女歌手,或指囚犯。该词源于金丝雀鲜黄色的羽毛,在犯罪俚语中与囚服或告密者相关。

An old-fashioned slang term for a singer, especially a female vocalist, or a jailbird (prisoner). The term originates from the bright yellow color of canaries, which was associated with the yellow plumage of the bird and, in criminal slang, with prison uniforms or informants.

  1. Small songbirdA2formal

    A small, bright yellow songbird native to the Canary Islands, often kept as a pet.

    zh金丝雀

    • The canary bird sang beautifully in its cage.
    • She bought a canary bird for her grandmother.
    • Canary birds are known for their cheerful chirping.
  2. Mining canary (historical)B2formal

    A canary bird used historically in coal mines to detect toxic gases; if the bird died, miners knew to evacuate.

    zh金丝雀(历史用途)

    • Miners used a canary bird as an early warning system for gas leaks.
    • The canary bird stopped singing, signaling danger.
    • The phrase 'canary in a coal mine' comes from this practice.